Global Edible Films and Coatings Market Grows Steadily at a CAGR of 7.50%

Introduction

Edible films and coatings significantly impact fresh and processed food quality, transportation, safety, and presentation. Edible films and coatings help maintain food quality by preventing food spoilage, microbial contamination, and moisture loss. The edible coating is a decorative element for cakes and pastries, while the edible film protects food from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Market Dynamics

Rising Demand for Healthy Products with Longer Shelf Lives Drives the Global Market

Edible films and coatings are employed because they improve the barrier and mechanical characteristics and extend the shelf life of food and beverages. These films and coatings satisfy consumers' demand for fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, and other foods, increasing shelf life. Given that consumers prefer food with the least amount of processing, edible coatings and films are a practical and economical way to maintain food's freshness, nutritional value, and functional qualities. The market growth is anticipated to be fueled by consumer demand for eco-friendly, natural products and an increase in the use of edible coatings for preservation.

Premium Edible Packets with Convenient Portions Creates Tremendous Opportunities

In 2016, MonoSol created the technology in partnership with the food-grade film client, Dicoisa, to enable the packaging of food and beverage ingredients in pouches that dissolve and release their contents when exposed to water. MonoSol's technology has the potential to be used in oats, cereals, instant teas/coffees, soups, gravies, sauces, hot chocolate, pre-portioned spice packs, dry ingredients, as well as bodybuilding proteins and supplements to meet consumer demand for convenient pre-portioned packs. Such developments may therefore address the major trends in the food and beverage industry, including easy delivery, portion control, replacing or enhancing primary packaging, reducing waste, and increasing operational efficiencies for kitchen operations.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific is the most significant shareholder in the global edible films and coatings market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.12% during the forecast period. Xanthan gum is one of the most frequently used edible coatings in food products in China, boosting demand for films and coatings made of polysaccharides there. The gum is used because of its beneficial characteristics, which include forming a highly viscous solution in cold or hot water, even at low concentrations. It maintains stability over a wide pH and temperature range and is resistant to enzymatic degradation. However, alternative edible coating sources are being researched in the hopes that they will be better at maintaining the product's freshness and shelf life.

Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.91%, generating USD 1,962.8 million during the forecast period. Businesses like Apeel Sciences developed cutting-edge edible food packaging formulations that cover fresh produce. In addition, the European Food Authority also approved the company's invention, and Edeka Stores promotes it in the German retail sector. It is anticipated that the rapidly evolving technology to replace plastic packaging with edible packaging that is more ecological and environmentally friendly will be quickly accepted by the market. Traders and vendors have also started investigating the ingredients used in food coatings to provide cleaner products as consumer demand for high-quality products increases. In response to retailers' growing preference for safer and labeled products, food companies are adding high-quality coating that complies with regulatory requirements, highlighting the promising market for edible coatings in the country.

Key Highlights

• The global edible films and coatings market was valued at USD 2,847.58 million in 2021. It is expected to reach USD 5,570.17 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.74% during the forecast period (2022–2030).
• Based on ingredient type, the global edible films and coatings market is bifurcated into proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and composites. The proteins segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.69% during the forecast period.
• Based on application, the global edible films and coatings market is bifurcated into dairy products, bakery and confectionery, fruits and vegetables, and meat, poultry, and seafood. The meat, poultry, and seafood segment owns the highest market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.72% during the forecast period.
• Asia-Pacific is the most significant shareholder in the global edible films and coatings market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.12% during the forecast period.

Competitive Players

1. DuPont de Nemours Inc.
2. Cargill Incorporated
3. Dohler Group
4. Tate & Lyle PLC
5. Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd
6. Nagase & Co. Ltd
7. Koninklijke DSM NV
8. Ingredion Incorporated
9. Lactips
10. Sufresca

Recent Developments

• February 2024 - As edible packaging startup DisSolves prepares to conduct pilots with top CPG brands, Generation Food Rural Partners I, LP (GFRP), a fund established by early-stage investor Big Idea Ventures, purchased the company. DisSolves is a Pittsburgh-based company founded in 2018 by chemical engineer Jared Raszewski. The company has created patented edible films that dissolve quickly and are residue-free in milk, juice, and hot or cold water.
• January 2024 – A new paper, “Sustainable Bio-Based Edible Films and Coatings for Fruit and Vegetable Applications," was published on ResearchGate. The paper discusses advancements in using sustainable, bio-based edible films and coatings for preserving fruits and vegetables, focusing on materials, methods, and effectiveness in enhancing shelf life and reducing waste.

Segmentation

1. By Ingredient Type
   1. Proteins
   2. Polysaccharides
   3. Lipids
   4. Composites
2. By Applications
   1. Dairy Products
   2. Bakery and Confectionery
   3. Fruits and Vegetables
   4. Meat, Poultry, and Seafood
   5. Other Applications